Economic Development Assistant Jobs in Arab, AL (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Marketing and Communications, BRIDGES Engine

Tell the Story of Biobased Innovation and Rural Economic Development

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Employment Type: Full-time | Exempt

The Opportunity

Every transformative movement needs a powerful storyteller. As Manager of Marketing and Communications for the BRIDGES NSF Engine, you'll be the voice amplifying one of the most ambitious regional innovation initiatives in America, translating cutting-edge science, groundbreaking partnerships, and real-world impact into compelling narratives that inspire researchers, energize industry leaders, engage communities, and attract the world's attention.

This isn't just communications work. You'll be a strategic partner shaping how the world understands the sustainable biobased economy. You'll craft the stories that connect plant-based innovation to rural economic opportunity, translate complex biotechnology into human terms, and build the narrative momentum that turns vision into movement. From executive messaging to digital campaigns, from thought leadership to community engagement, you'll ensure that BRIDGES Engine's transformative potential reaches every stakeholder who needs to hear it.

What You'll Do

Strategic Communication & Storytelling

• Develop and implement integrated communication strategies aligned with BRIDGES Engine priorities and NSF Engine objectives
• Translate groundbreaking scientific discoveries, partnerships, and commercialization milestones into compelling, clear narratives for diverse audiences
• Create messaging frameworks that unite researchers, industry partners, policymakers, rural communities, and the public around shared vision
• Position BRIDGES Engine as a national leader in sustainable biobased manufacturing innovation and regional economic development
• Tell the human stories behind the science, showcasing how plant-based technologies drive opportunity, prosperity, and sustainability

Content Creation & Digital Excellence

• Develop high-quality written content including press releases, social media content, articles, thought leadership pieces, case studies, and web materials
• Create engaging multimedia content (video, graphics, infographics) that bring innovation to life
• Manage digital platforms and channels to maximize reach and engagement across stakeholders
• Use analytics to evaluate performance and continuously improve messaging effectiveness
• Stay current with communications trends and emerging platforms to keep BRIDGES Engine at the forefront

Internal & External Engagement

• Support internal communication channels-employee updates, newsletters, team messaging-that strengthen culture and alignment across teams
• Assist executive leadership with presentations, remarks, speeches, and materials for key events
• Develop and execute outreach campaigns targeting donors, academic partners, industry collaborators, policymakers, and the public
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, and thought leaders to amplify BRIDGES Engine's visibility
• Manage media inquiries and coordinate press coverage that showcases impact and innovation

Event & Project Coordination

• Collaborate on communication strategies for major events (workshops, showcases, industry forums, and stakeholder gatherings)
• Develop event messaging, promotional materials, and audience engagement strategies
• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate deliverables for communications-related projects
• Track budgets, timelines, and performance metrics for communications initiatives
• Ensure seamless integration of messaging across all event touchpoints

Brand & Reputation Management

• Maintain consistency in institutional voice and visual identity across all communications
• Monitor and respond to stakeholder feedback and community sentiment
• Proactively manage communications to build trust and credibility with all stakeholder groups
• Support reputation-building initiatives that position HudsonAlpha and BRIDGES Engine as trusted innovation leaders

About You

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, English, or related field;
• Experience in communications, public relations, digital media, or related roles
• Demonstrated experience in science, research, biotechnology, nonprofit, or innovation-driven environments
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage multiple competing priorities
• Track record of developing and executing strategic communications that drive engagement and impact

Essential Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional writing and editing abilities with talent for translating complex information into clear, engaging narratives
• Strategic thinker who understands how communication drives organizational and mission success
• Proficiency in digital content management systems, video editing, and visual communication tools
• Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills
• Ability to manage relationships and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and disciplines
• Excellent communication skills-both verbal and written
• Poise, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive or confidential information
• Competence with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and relevant creative or analytics software
• Proven ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to fast-paced, evolving priorities
• Passion for translating science into impact and communicating innovation to the world

Why BRIDGES Engine? Why HudsonAlpha?

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a leading nonprofit research institute leveraging genomics to improve human health, strengthen global food systems, and drive sustainable economic growth. Our 150-acre Huntsville campus, located in one of the world's premier science and technology communities, unites world-class scientists, educators, and 45+ innovative life science companies in a collaborative ecosystem where discovery becomes impact.

With U.S. National Science Foundation Engine funding, BRIDGES represents the next frontier: a bold initiative to build a sustainable biobased economy that transforms rural communities and opens entirely new markets and industries.

This isn't incremental change, it's ecosystem-building at scale. You'll work alongside visionary leaders, innovative companies, and passionate researchers united by a common mission: to prove that biotechnology can drive prosperity, sustainability, and opportunity for entire regions.

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily on-site position with potential for flexible or remote work as approved by leadership
• Dynamic office and event settings with frequent engagement across multiple locations
• Travel for conferences, convenings, media events, and stakeholder gatherings
• Occasional evening or weekend hours for events, deadlines, and time-sensitive projects
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods during content creation and strategy work

Join Us

Help shape the narrative of sustainable innovation. Tell stories that matter. Amplify voices that inspire change. Drive visibility and impact at scale.

Apply now and become part of the BRIDGES Engine story.